Tanker truck collides with SUV in Johnston County

The accident happened at 8133 US 701 South in Johnston County. One person was pinned and airlifted to WakeMed, while two were ejected and driven by ambulance. (Jason Thompson)

May 20, 2013 8:28:13 PM PDT

NEWTON GROVE, N.C. --

A Johnston County road was shut down for nearly two hours after a tanker truck collided with an SUV Saturday morning.

The accident happened at 8:05 a.m. along the 8100 block of US-701 South in Newton Grove. It is in the southernmost part of Johnston County, near the Sampson County border.

The SUV was traveling south on US-701 and the tanker truck was behind it. The tanker truck tried to pass the SUV when it came upon a dotted line on the two-lane road. At the same time, the SUV tried to make a left turn into a private drive, causing it to be directly in path of tanker.

The driver of the SUV, 65-year-old James Newkirk, of Smithfield was pinned and airlifted to WakeMed with head and chest trauma, troopers said. He is listed in serious condition.

Two females were ejected and taken by ambulance to WakeMed.They have been identified as 23-year-old Latrice Johnson, of Smithfield and 18-year-old Tahirra Hargrove, of Newton Grove. Hargrove is currently listed in fair condition, while Johnson was treated and released.

The tanker truck was driven by 49-year-old Alvin Singletary, of Bladenboro. He was not injured. The trucked was owned by STG Transport, of Wilmington and was loaded with gasoline.

Charges have not been filed. Troopers do not believe alcohol or speed were factors.